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CVE Record

CVE-2018-20511: An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel before 4.18.11.

An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel before 4.18.11. The ipddp_ioctl function in drivers/net/appletalk/ipddp.c allows local users to obtain sensitive kernel address information by leveraging CAP_NET_ADMIN to read the ipddp_route dev and next fields via an SIOCFINDIPDDPRT ioctl call.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2018-20511 is a Linux kernel information leak in AppleTalk IPDDP handling. A local user with CAP_NET_ADMIN could read kernel address data. This is not remote code execution, but leaked kernel addresses can weaken exploit defenses and matter on shared or containerized systems.

Executive priority

Treat this as a moderate kernel hardening issue. Prioritize patching on multi-user, shared hosting, and container platforms where CAP_NET_ADMIN may be delegated. For tightly controlled single-purpose systems, handle through normal kernel maintenance.

Technical view

Before Linux kernel 4.18.11, drivers/net/appletalk/ipddp.c exposed ipddp_route dev and next fields through ipddp_ioctl using SIOCFINDIPDDPRT. The issue requires local access and CAP_NET_ADMIN, and discloses sensitive kernel address information rather than directly granting execution.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most plausible on Linux systems running kernels before 4.18.11 or unpatched distro kernels, especially where CAP_NET_ADMIN is granted to local users, services, or containers. The bundle does not identify specific affected vendor versions beyond Linux kernel and Debian/Ubuntu advisories.

Exploitation context

The provided sources do not show CISA KEV listing or confirmed active exploitation. Exploitation requires local capability and a specific ioctl path, so risk is highest as an aid to chained local kernel attacks rather than standalone compromise.

Researcher notes

Evidence supports a local kernel address disclosure in the AppleTalk IPDDP ioctl path. Public details in the bundle point to upstream commit 9824dfae5741275473a23a7ed5756c7b6efacc9d and Linux 4.18.11. CVSS, CWE, and precise distro package ranges are incomplete here.

Mitigation direction

  • Update Linux kernels to vendor-patched versions addressing CVE-2018-20511.
  • Use Linux 4.18.11 or later where applicable.
  • Apply relevant Debian or Ubuntu security updates if using those distributions.
  • Review and minimize CAP_NET_ADMIN grants to users, services, and containers.
  • Check current vendor guidance before relying on compensating controls.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux hosts running kernels older than 4.18.11.
  • Compare installed kernel packages against Debian, Ubuntu, or vendor advisories.
  • Review workloads and containers that receive CAP_NET_ADMIN.
  • Confirm patched systems include the referenced upstream kernel commit.
  • Track this as non-KEV unless a cited source changes that status.
Prepared
Confidence
high
Sources
9

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
8Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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